By the time you’re reading this, I will be beginning my senior year at Northwest University and returning to my role as editor-in-chief for the school paper.

To say that I have enjoyed my time here would be an understatement. Since my first reporting internship at the Kirkland Reporter during high school and my reporting experience through my college paper, I can wholeheartedly say that writing for a community publication is my dream job.

These past few months have strengthened me, not just as a writer, but as a person as well. My time and patience have been tested while waiting on sources to return my calls, my introvertive, protective bubble was burst while attending several large protests and rallies and my compassion has deepened for those who have been hurt or ignored by authority.

I was once told by another reporter that there are three kinds of journalism.

There’s the national reporters, or better known as the watchdogs on the government. These reporters are incredibly important and there will always be a long line of fresh-faced college grads clamoring for an open spot. Then there are the sports reporters. Like the national reporters, sports coverage will always be in high demand.

And then there’s everything else.

This category primarily consists of local news, and this is the one that faces the greatest threat. Keep in mind that local news broadcast stations will be around for a long time. The ones I’m talking about are the local papers.

Let me clarify, I don’t believe local papers are in danger of complete extinction, however, they are the most subject to change. But it’s these papers that are the real heart of a community.

In a society that revolves around technology designed for connection, it can be argued that it can actually lead to disconnection. While we have embraced this as a norm, I think deep down, most people long for the nostalgic 1950s ideal of community.

While we may not be able to sometimes take part in community events and meetings, we still want to feel included. That’s exactly what local papers provide — a connection.

We give the people of this city an opportunity to share their stories. We celebrate the people who are doing amazing things who would never be recognized otherwise. We investigate the truth behind closed doors. We provide the residents of Bellevue a connection to community.

But we can’t do this without your support.

If this article goes to lining your recycling basket Friday morning, I ask you to please remember this: a community can’t be a community without connection, and local papers are just one way to achieve connection, it is one of the best aspects of a community.

Madison Miller interned for the Bellevue Reporter over the summer before beginning her senior year at Northwest University in August.